Pickles

Pickled Cucumbers: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 5 jars of 1.7 liters

Pickled cucumbers are an excellent choice to add a crunchy and tangy note to your meals. This simple and quick recipe will transform your fresh cucumbers into a savory appetizer, perfect to accompany meats, salads, or even to be enjoyed as a snack.

The history of these pickled cucumbers goes back in time, being a traditional method of preserving vegetables, used for generations. This process not only extends the shelf life of the cucumbers but also gives them a unique flavor that enriches any meal.

The ingredients needed to achieve the best pickled cucumbers are:

- Fresh cucumbers (quantity according to the capacity of the jars)
- 2 tablespoons of salt (per jar)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (per jar)
- Vinegar (approximately 3 fingers high in each jar)
- Carrot (7-8 slices for each jar)
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds (per jar)
- 1 teaspoon of peppercorns (per jar)
- 2 bay leaves (per jar)
- Dried dill flowers (one for each jar)

If you like, you can add onion and garlic, but I prefer a simpler recipe without these ingredients.

Step by step in preparing pickled cucumbers:

1. Preparing the jars: Start by washing the 1.7-liter jars thoroughly. It is essential that they are very well dried to ensure optimal preservation. You can use an oven to sterilize them, leaving them for 10 minutes at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

2. Arranging the ingredients: Place the cucumbers in the jars, making sure to arrange them evenly and not to overcrowd them. In between, add the carrot slices, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves. These spices will give a special flavor to your pickles.

3. Adding the spices: Put 2 tablespoons of salt and 4 tablespoons of sugar in each jar. The sugar will balance the acidity of the vinegar, bringing a subtle sweetness to the cucumbers.

4. Filling with vinegar and water: Add vinegar up to a height of about 3 fingers. This is the secret to achieving better preservation. Then fill the jar with cold water, leaving a little space for the liquid to expand during the boiling process.

5. Sealing the jars: Put the lid on each jar, making sure they are tightly closed to prevent air from entering.

6. Boiling the jars: Prepare a large pot, in which you will place the jars. Place a kitchen towel at the bottom of the pot to avoid direct contact between the jars. Cover the jars with newspapers or small towels to prevent them from clinking during boiling. Add cold water to the pot, up to a level below the neck of the jars.

7. Boiling: Put the pot on moderate heat and let the jars boil for 15-20 minutes, until the cucumbers change color. This is a crucial step to ensure proper preservation.

8. Cooling: After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let the jars cool in the water. This method helps to better seal the lids.

9. Storage: Once the jars have completely cooled, wipe them and store them in the pantry. The pickled cucumbers will be ready to eat after about 2 weeks, but their flavor will intensify over time.

Tips and tricks:

- Choose fresh cucumbers: Make sure to use quality cucumbers, preferably smaller ones, which are crunchier.
- Vary the spices: You can experiment with other spices, such as hot peppers or garlic, to get a spicy note.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. If you like your pickles more sour, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How long can pickled cucumbers be stored? Usually, they can be stored for up to a year if kept in proper conditions.
- How can I tell if the jars are sealed correctly? Check if the lid is well pressed and does not give in when pressed.
- Can I use apple cider vinegar? Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.

This versatile dish pairs perfectly with meats, sandwiches, or even alongside cheeses. Pickled cucumbers can also be a surprise ingredient in salads. Try them with a potato salad or as a side for a charcuterie board.

Pickled cucumbers are not just a delicacy, but also an excellent way to preserve garden vegetables. So, don’t hesitate to start this simple recipe and enjoy the intense flavors of summer, even in the middle of winter!

 Ingredients: For this recipe, I don't have exact quantities; everything is measured by eye. cucumbers measured by eye, sugar measured by eye, salt measured by eye, vinegar measured by eye, carrots measured by eye, mustard seeds measured by eye, bay leaves measured by eye, peppercorns measured by eye, dried dill flowers measured by eye. You can also add onion and garlic according to your preference. I didn't add them; I prefer it without these ingredients!